Crown PlaySafe
What is Crown PlaySafe?
As part of our ongoing commitment to guest wellbeing, Crown is committed to giving every guest the resources and support they need to play in a safe and enjoyable environment. That’s why we’ve introduced Crown PlaySafe – a world-class initiative that extends to every guest, no matter how they play or what they require.
Crown also understands that some guests experience our products in ways that are not entertaining, and in ways that can create harm for the guest, their family and the broader community.
Crown PlaySafe is our enhanced approach to care that places the wellbeing of our guests at the centre and broadens our focus from supporting those experiencing gambling harm, to preventing it from happening in the first place. The Crown PlaySafe Code of Conduct sets out our commitment to take all reasonable steps to prevent guests from experiencing harm as a result of gambling at Crown.
If you wish to make a complaint regarding Crown PlaySafe practices, please email cps@crownmelbourne.com.au
What does safer play look like?
Safer play is gambling enjoyed as a form of fun and entertainment.
“Exercising control and informed choice to ensure that gambling is kept within affordable limits of money and time, is enjoyable, in balance with other activities, and avoids gambling related harm.” - Professor Nerilee Hing, 2016.
Below are some examples of safer play:
- Staying in control of how much time and money you spend gambling by setting limits and sticking to them.
- Only gambling with money set aside for entertainment, and that you can afford to lose.
- Recognising gambling is a form of entertainment and not a way to make money.
- Understanding your chances of winning and acknowledging the “house advantage”.
- Not returning to the casino to chases your losses
- Taking regular breaks whilst gambling
- When your gambling does not cause you or your loved ones distress
As it is common for a person's relationships with gambling to change, it’s important that individuals regularly check in with themselves to ensure that they are demonstrating the above signs and behaviours throughout their gambling experiences.
What is Gambling Harm?
Gambling harms are the potential consequences of gambling that lead to a decline in the wellbeing of an individual, their family or the wider community. Gambling harms occur on a spectrum and the severity and type of harm can vary between people. In 2016 a study by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation identified a number of possible harms including:
- Relationship difficulties
- Health problems
- Emotional or psychological distress
- Financial problems
- Issues with work or study
- Cultural problems
- Criminal activity
Some warning signs that gambling might be leading to harm include gambling more frequently and intensely, spending longer periods of time gambling, increases in gambling spend and continuing to play to recover losses.
It can be hard to recognise when your own gambling is leading to harm, which is why it is important to regularly check in with your gambling and understand the warning signs.
“Harm from gambling isn’t just about losing money. Gambling can affect self esteem, relationships, physical and mental health, work performance and social life. It can harm not only the person who gambles, but also family, friends, workplaces and communities.” - Gamblers Help Website, 2019.
Supporting others
The Crown PlaySafe team has helped many people who have had concerns with the gambling habits of people they know.
A conversation with a team member can be helpful in the following ways:
- Useful information to help minimise and prevent the risk of gambling harm;
- Support services and resources for someone you know; and
- Confidential referrals to gambling support services, financial counselling support services and other support organisations that best fit your situation.
Sometimes, other people’s gambling can impact you. That is why seeking help for yourself is also important. The Crown PlaySafe team is always available to have a free and confidential conversation.
While we always encourage guests to discuss taking a break from gambling with the person they are concerned about, we understand that some may not be ready to access help or make a change. For this reason, Crown has a Third Party Exclusion Program that allows you to apply for a review of a guest’s gambling behaviour.
Knowledge hub
Crown PlaySafe Knowledge Hub is our commitment to provide access to Crown PlaySafe’s resources and materials to share our latest knowledge and experiences to enable other organisations in the industry to develop their own capabilities.
Whether you are looking to improve your knowledge or transform your organisation, Crown PlaySafe Knowledge Hub will provide a unique opportunity to gain access to insights and connect with Crown PlaySafe experts.
